Mertesacker and Koscielny could keep out Vermaelen, says Arsenal boss

Arsenal boss
Arsene Wenger has warned
Thomas Vermaelen may not walk straight back into his starting XI, due to the emergence of Per Mertesacker and
Laurent Koscielny as a centre-back pairing.

Improving: Mertesacker (Picture: Getty Images)

The Gunners duo followed a solid display against Sunderland with a clean sheet in the Champions League clash at Marseilles, and with an understanding beginning to form between the two, Wenger suggests it wonât be easy for the Belgian to displace them.

‘I am happy that Vermaelen is back (in training) but there is competition in every position,â said Wenger.

The 25-year-old, who has recently signed a new contract at the Emirates, should be available for selection when the Gunners face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on October 29th.

Wenger would undoubtedly like to ease Vermaelen back into action, but he may be forced into immediately recalling the defender as an injury to Carl Jenkinson means the Frenchman will have to deploy one of his centre-back at right-back.

âJenkinson is out for two weeks. He has a little chance for Chelsea,â added Wenger.

âIt is between Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou (for right-back).â

Stoke are next up for the Gunners and Wenger is confident his patched up defence will be able to cope with their aerial bombardment â signalling out new signing Mertesacker as the key to keeping the Potters at bay.

‘I bought Per here for more than this type of game… he is an organiser, he understands the game,â he continued.

âI feel we look more determined and less shaky – you do not feel the vibes of fear going through the team when there is a set-piece against us.âÂ